The latest Instagram post sizes in range from 1080×1350px for portrait feed posts to 1080×1920px for Reels and Stories. Using the correct ratio prevents cropping, distortion, and compression. This guide breaks down every format with exact pixel recommendations.
Intro
Instagram pushes new formats every year, but the fundamentals remain the same: clean ratios, sharp exports, and mobile-first framing.
If your posts keep getting cropped or uploaded with blurry edges, it usually means the aspect ratio is off—even if the quality looks fine on your computer.
This guide simplifies the ideal dimensions for every format creators use today.
Instagram Post Sizes Quick Reference Table
| Format | Aspect Ratio | Recommended Size | Notes | Best Use |
| Square Feed | 1:1 | 1080×1080 px | Great for grids | Product shots, quotes |
| Portrait Feed | 4:5 | 1080×1350 px | Highest feed visibility | Photos, infographics |
| Landscape Feed | 1.91:1 | 1080×608 px | Wide layouts | Events, scenery |
| Carousel | 1:1 or 4:5 | 1080×1080 / 1080×1350 px | Consistent ratios recommended | Tutorials, step-by-step |
| Reels | 9:16 | 1080×1920 px | Full-screen vertical | Video content |
| Stories | 9:16 | 1080×1920 px | Same as Reels | Announcements, promos |
Learn More: Who Has the Most Followers on Instagram
How Do Instagram Photo Sizes Work?
Instagram still renders photos at 1080px width, regardless of format.
This keeps feed visuals consistent across mobile screens. Ratios determine how much vertical or horizontal space your content occupies.
Creators often notice soft quality loss—this happens when uploading smaller images that Instagram enlarges internally. Keeping width at 1080px prevents this.
What Is the Best Instagram Feed Size Today?
The most effective feed size is 1080×1350px (4:5).
Portrait posts occupy more screen real estate, which increases scroll-stopping visibility—especially for mobile users who rarely rotate their phones.
Why 4:5 Works Better
- More vertical space = higher attention time
- Ideal for educational graphics and photos
- Supported across all devices without cropping
How Do I Avoid Instagram Cropping Issues?
Stick to the native aspect ratio for the specific format.
Most cropping issues happen when the uploaded photo doesn’t match Instagram’s predetermined frame.
Quick Fix Checklist
- Feed portrait: 4:5
- Feed square: 1:1
- Feed landscape: 1.91:1
- Stories/Reels: 9:16
- Keep important text 100–150px away from top/bottom edges for vertical formats
- Export in 1080px width to avoid compression
Tip: If you’re editing in Canva or Photoshop, set your canvas ratio first before adding any elements.
Why Does Instagram Reduce Image Quality?
Quality drops when uploads are too small, too large, or exported in CMYK or non-sRGB color profiles.
Recommended Export Settings
- Color profile: sRGB
- Format: JPEG (high quality) or PNG for graphics
- DPI: 72–120
- Sharpening: Light output sharpening for web
These settings reduce the risk of blur, banding, or pixelation after Instagram recompresses your file.
How Do Reels Sizes Differ from Stories?
Reels and Stories share the same 9:16 ratio: 1080×1920px.
However, their “safe areas” differ.
Safe Area Guidelines
- Reels: Keep text away from edges because Instagram overlays buttons
- Stories: More flexibility with placement, but avoid covering profile icons or reply bars
Both formats benefit from high-contrast text and simple compositions since viewers watch vertically and often on smaller screens.
Are Carousel Sizes Changing?
Carousels still support mixed dimensions, but consistent ratios improve swipe-through performance.
When slides switch ratios, Instagram visually re-centers the image, which can disrupt flow.
Best Practice
Choose 1:1 or 4:5 and keep it consistent across all slides for a smoother interaction.
Finding Digital Marketing Agency?
If you want your Instagram content to perform consistently, especially with Reels, carousels, and brand visuals the Digital Marketing Agency Ai Touch can help refine your strategy, design posts, and optimise your entire digital presence.
Visit our homepage to see how we support content-driven brands across Malaysia.
Smart Instagram Sizing Tips for Creators
Correct post sizing is the simplest way to maintain clarity, avoid cropping issues, and improve feed visibility. With the right ratios, your content looks sharper, loads faster, and performs better on both feed and Stories.
FAQs About Instagram Photo Size
What is the best Instagram photo size?
1080×1350px (4:5) is the most effective size for feed posts because it fills more vertical space and remains sharp on mobile.
How do I stop Instagram from cropping my photos?
Export using the correct aspect ratio—1:1, 4:5, 1.91:1, or 9:16 depending on the format.
Why are my Instagram uploads blurry?
Low-resolution files, wrong color profiles, or oversized images can cause compression during upload.
Is 4K supported on Instagram?
Instagram does not display images in 4K. Content is rendered at around 1080px width.
What size should Reels be?
1080×1920px in a 9:16 ratio works best for full-screen vertical viewing.
Do Stories and Reels use the same dimensions?
Yes. Both use 9:16, but Reels have additional interface overlays, so keep essential text centered.